Director's Corner
Greetings Siblings in Christ!

We are excited to share something new that has stirred in the ministries of Savannah Presbytery. Both the Misson Committee and the Racial Justice Ministry Team, a task force formed by the Council in 2020, have had a shared experience of the Spirit moving through their meetings and ministries bringing them together with a desire to learn more about the PC(USA) Matthew 25 Vision. Several months ago, a Matthew 25 Task Force was formed by the Council to include three members from both of these committees and two of our presbytery’s leadership directors.

The task force met to discuss and discern what the Matthew 25 Vision was and how it might engage Savannah Presbytery. The members contacted other “Matthew 25” presbyteries to hear about their experiences and on Tuesday, August 15th, the M25 Task Force presented their findings to Council and formally asked for its support to engage the Savannah Presbytery in a year of learning and discernment on the Matthew 25 Vision. The Council accepted the report.

This year of learning and discernment will utilize each of the next three Stated Meetings to offer a sermon and a “learning lunch” focused on one of the first three foci of Matthew 25. We encourage you to invite your membership to attend. In addition, we will have Holy Conversation activities based on films used for each foci, offer resources for congregations to use, and promote a section in our monthly newsletter that will highlight what Matthew 25 looks like for churches and the Presbytery.

Join us on this journey of faith! Plan to attend the Fall Stated Meeting (October 17) at First Presbyterian Church Statesboro (currently our presbytery’s only M25 Congregation) where we will be joined by Rev. Carlton Johnson, Associate Director of Theology, Formation and Evangelism for the (PCUSA) and who will introduce the foundational foci of Matthew 25: Vital Congregations. In addition, plan a viewing of Disney’s movie Encanto - which focuses on “gifts”- with your congregation and join in a Holy Conversation about Vital Congregations either on your own or through a presbytery-wide Zoom (Additional information in this newsletter!)

We look forward to following the Spirit’s leading with you in Savannah Presbytery,

Marty Susie, Director of Mission and Program Advancement

Deanie Strength, Interim Director of Administration/ Associate Stated Clerk
Our Ongoing Journey Toward Justice:
Our next Holy Conversation
How will you engage your congregation with Disney’s Encanto movie? Will you hold a watch party followed by a Holy Conversation? We invite individuals, small groups, Sunday school classes, Presbyterian Women Circles, Youth Groups, and entire congregations to gather to watch Encanto (available on Disney+ and Prime Videostreaming services) by Tuesday, October 31st. Then join the Racial Justice Ministry Team on Thursday, November 2nd from 6:30-8 PM for a conversation on “gifts” and Vital Congregations!
 
Attention District III Churches!
Grant Chapel Presbyterian will host an Encanto movie viewing at their church (Darien, GA 31305) on Sunday, Sept 10th at 1 pm with technical support from Odet Douglass of Second Brunswick Presbyterian. Rev. Jamil el-Shair of AltamaPresbyterian will facilitate the discussion that will follow. All District III congregations are invited and encouraged to join them.

Whatever works for your community is great! Anyone and everyone can REGISTER FOR OUR HOLY CONVERSATION (link below). Churches can access the discussion questions if they choose to hold in-person discussions on their own by contacting Marty Susie at MSusie1@savannahpresbytery.org
Don’t miss out! Day Trip #2: 
Register now for District II
Our first Day Trip, held in District I, takes place this month on September 9th and we hope you have registered to participate. 

NOW is the time to register for our second Day Trip where we will experience the Willow Hill Heritage & Renaissance Center and the Red Summer Memorial walk in Bulloch County with The Nobis Project leaders and engage in reflection activities with Nobis Big Ideas. 

The cost is $135 and lunch is included. Scholarships are available!
 
For more information or to register visit https: www.savannahpresbytery.org/pilgrimage-day-trips/
Holy Shift @ Montreat
The Holy Shift Conference will explore the implications of this seismic ground shift in the church and learn to navigate the possibilities in a church where God’s call on our lives grows louder and deeper. 

Rev. Taylor Lewis Guthrie Hartman, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Statesboro, is one of the preachers for this conference. She would love to have Savannah Presbytery folks join her and some FPC Statesboro folks. If you have any questions or want to discuss going with First, Statesboro please email Taylor at taylor@fpcstatesboro.org
Something For Everyone!
Have you ever wondered about the various world religions? Do you have questions about how they began or what they believe?
We have an exciting opportunity for you the explore a Survey of World Religions at the School of the Laity, October 7-8th! Join Rev. Jacob Douylliez as he leads you to examine the historical roots, sacred texts, catechesis, and major belief systems of Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Do you have folks in your congregations with questions about our faith tradition-where it began and why we do what we do? Do you have first-time or returning Elders that you would like to equip to better serve your church? Invite and support them in participating in the History, Mission & Polity class. Participants will have opportunity to understand the historical and theological foundations of the PC(USA) and how these inform the way Presbyterians “do church.” Led by Rev. Jihyun Oh, Director of Mid Council Ministries for the Presbyterian Church (USA) and a graduate of Columbia Theological Seminary.
Do you know how the Old Testament is structured, how it came to be and what you might glean from it to help you better understand the New Testament? Join Brennan Breed, Associate Professor of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary and much-loved School of the Laity leader in the Survey of the Old Testament course!
You can participate in-person at Epworth By the Sea on St Simons Island or online via Zoom.
Mission Opportunity DEADLINE: September 22nd
Saint Simons Presbyterian Church is coordinating a Regional Mission Trip to Griffin, GA. The trip will be an ecumenical group working with Lutheran Disaster Recovery reconstructing homes that were devastated by a tornado back in January. Spalding County was one of seven counties that were declared federal disaster areas with at least $17 million in damage.

WHEN: October 22-27, 2023
WHERE: Lodging at St. Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church, Griffin, GA
WHO: All levels of construction skills invited with a servants heart and a willing attitude!
WHAT: $200 per team member is expected at registration to contribute to food, lodging (Love Offering) and building materials. (Scholarships are available if this is a hardship)
 
Registration deadline is September 22nd.
For more information or to register visit www.sspres.org (scroll to bottom right of website home page and click on link)
 
QUESTIONS? Contact Brenda Haughney at brh1234@gmail.com
Service opportunity for folks with a heart for YOUTH!!
Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 Presbyterian Youth Triennium Production Team. This team consists of youth and adults who share a passion for youth ministry and work alongside staff to refine the many layers of Triennium and make this large-scale event happen. 
Read the letter from Analise Brown, Registrar & Administrative Assistant Office of Presbyterian Youth and Triennium below and click the link to learn more. 
Remembering Ahmaud: Musical Reflections
Mary Ann Brearley was active in Savannah Presbytery while her husband Bob pastored the White Bluff and St. Simons churches. She shares the following concert invitation with us:

During the time Bob was a pastor at St. Simons Presbyterian Church, I taught at Altama Elementary School in Brunswick. Ahmaud was a student there and for 6 years we sang, danced, and played instruments together. I followed the news of his murder and subsequent trial of those responsible with grief and helplessness. Last fall, I attended a concert at my church in Columbia, SC to hear a song written by a former church member. I was stunned to find that the work was entitled "Satilla Shores" and was about Ahmaud and his death while out on a run in that community. After the concert, I shared with the poet and performers that I had taught in Brunswick and known Ahmaud. We began right then to dream of presenting the music to Ahmaud's family and friends in his own town. "Satilla Shores" is 15 minutes long and will be followed by spirituals and inspirational songs.
General Assembly Commissioners & YAAD Needed
WE ARE SEEKING GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMISSIONERS AND A YOUNG ADULT ADVISORY DELEGATE FROM SAVANNAH PRESBYTERY

The 226th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah June 25-27 (committee meetings via Zoom) and June 28-July 4 (in-person). Savannah Presbytery will elect a TE commissioner, RE commissioner, and a Young Adult Advisory Delegate (between the ages of 18-23 on October 17, 2023) at our Fall Stated Meeting.

Please visit 226th General Assembly - Savannah Presbytery for application guidelines and the online application. The deadline is Friday, September 22.

Please note, those applying need to fill out the online Nominee Application and seek an endorsing group (session, presbytery committee) with a representative willing to fill out an Endorsement Form (also on the website).
Save the Date
Stated Meeting of the Savannah Presbytery
Fall Presbytery Meeting
First Presbyterian Church, Statesboro
Tuesday, October 17, 10 am

Theme: Building Congregational Vitality
Guest Preacher: Rev. Dr. Carlton Johnson,
Coordinator of Vital Congregations, PC (U.S.A.)

A workshop on Learning More About the Vital Congregations Initiative will be offered following lunch. Please encourage congregational leaders to join your church’s delegation for this informative meeting!

Lunch will be $15 with vegetarian options. When registering please let us know if you need a gluten a dairy free lunch.

9:15 AM   On Site Registration
9:50 AM   Zoom Room Opens for Hybrid Participants
10 AM      Worship – Rev. Carlton Johnson, Vital Congregations, Preaching 
Noon        Lunch
12:30 PM Lunch Workshop: How to Build Community to be Vital (Rev. Johnson)
1:30 PM   Meeting Concludes
Help Us Remember the Saints

At the 640th Session of the Savannah Presbytery, on Tuesday, October 17, we will remember the saints who have gone before us. All churches are requested to submit the name, photo, and a brief biography of Ministers of Word of Sacrament, Elders, and Deacons who have died in the past year.

Please send all of the above information to Rev. Rick Douylliez at the following address: rdouylliez@savannahpresbytery.org 912-674-0142 by Friday, October 7th.
Best Practices for Hiring Church Staff
  • BACKGROUND CHECKS - The Presbytery has an account with First Advantage which allows us to conduct background checks when hiring new Presbytery staff and supporting congregations who have identified potential candidates to call for ministerial positions. It is a good practice for presbytery churches that are hiring new staff (office, janitorial, nursery, preschool, etc) to conduct background checks on potential hires before completing the intake process. If your church is not able to conduct these checks independently, please contact Interim Director of Administration Deanie Strength who can initiate a background check on behalf of the church ($10/check reimbursable to the Presbytery).  
  • DARKNESS TO LIGHT: STEWARDS OF CHILDREN - The online certification program offered by Darkness to Light: Stewards of Children is also a good practice for new church hires. Ensuring the safety of children and youth entrusted to our care is essential. Churches may establish accounts with the “D2L” Store and prepay for certifications. New hires can be notified by email to take the training and digital certificates of completion will be sent to them and the person requesting the training on behalf of the church.  Login - Darkness to Light (d2l.org)
  • CHILD/YOUTH PROTECTION POLICIES – Sessions should consider adopting the Presbytery’s Child/Youth Protection Policy or develop their own. 
PC(USA) Synod Quarterly Resources
Register for Fall Cohorts:
Our cohorts are groups of 5-8 participants that have a similar focus or interest in ministry development such as Older Adult Ministries in Small Churches, CRE Minister Leaders and Vitality in a Post Pandemic Church as examples.
Cohorts provide a setting where colleagues learn, and support one another while identifying goals, challenges, and options for the future. Each cohort is led by an ICF (International Coaching Federation) trained coach and meets over zoom for a designated number of sessions. Cohorts are a process of transformation in which you identify your goals, consider your challenges, explore your options, and create a plan of action to meet your goals. There is an option for Spanish-speaking formation leaders.
 
For Cohort descriptions: Fall 2023 Cohorts .docx - Google Docs
A "Why and how to train your Elders and Deacons"
quick sheet resource is available.
Christian Formation Week Celebration: The week starting Sunday, Sept. 10, is when the PC(USA) celebrates and lifts up Christian Formation ministry, leaders and students. Here is a link to all of the resources available, with new resources being added each week. You can find Blessings Around the New School Year, Fall Kick-Off Ideas, Sunday Liturgy Resources, Ideas for Faith at Home for the Start of a New School Year and more. New this year is a social media pack of seven downloadable Canva posts, too. Additionally, some of the resources are available in Spanish.
Promise and Possibility: The Movement of the Spirit Through Gen Z (Four-Session Study): The Office of Christian Formation has partnered with UKirk Collegiate Ministries to offer this NEW four-lesson study. Intended for congregational use, each lesson invites participants to reflect on the gifts emerging adults offer the church and the world, the challenges this generation of young adults are facing, the biblical and theological foundations of ministry with young adults, and the spiritual formation journey college students take from 18–25. Engaging both Scripture and current research trends on Generation Z, participants are invited to ask God how they are invited to care and support college students during this pivotal time in life. Find the new study here. (A Spanish edition will be available later this fall.)
Other resources for September:
Save the Date:
Presbyterian Women Annual Gathering
Presbyterian Women Annual Gathering
Saturday, January 27, 2024
White Bluff Presbyterian Church
Where can I find the information I need on Savannah Presbytery?
You can find our Organizational Chart, info on Darkness to Light Training and the latest Covid updates on our website.
Follow Savannah Presbytery from your personal and/or
your church’s social media!
Need help connecting your church?
Contact Communications Coordinator, Jaclyn Beeler at jbeeler@savannahpresbytery.org
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